There’ll be a minimal television audience for Tunisia’s tussle with Panama on Thursday night. With neither side coming remotely close to qualifying, all eyes will be the England and Belgium encounter. But that doesn’t mean this is a non-betting event – far from it…

Tunisia arrived in Russia keen to pick up their first World Cup finals triumph since their debut in 1978. Aware they have been drawn in a devilishly difficult pool, the North Africans appreciated their best opportunity was to come in their final pool fixture with Panama.

The odds imply Tunisia have around a 53% chance of success, which feels low. The Carthage Eagles have shown they’re a capable team when given the opportunity, although wretched defensive displays have ruined their chances against the two Group G big guns.

Tunisia to win

That shouldn’t be the case here in Saransk. From the outset, Panama were described as one of the worst teams in the competition and the Central Americans have done nothing to dispel such theories.

The Central Americans have been slaughtered 9-1 on aggregate despite asking England or Belgium to click into top gear. The Canal Men have been exposed from set-pieces and their physical approach has led to two key men picking up suspensions for this meeting.

This is Tunisia’s big chance to earn a first World Cup win in 40 years and I don’t think they’ll disappoint.